4. Meet with an academic advisor Students should meet with their academic advisor as before making decisions about where and when to study abroad. Academic advisor will be able to assist students in determining the type of courses needed while abroad, the term that might be best to go abroad based on your graduation requirements and current schedule, and .

5. Apply to a study abroad program
To apply for a study abroad program, click on the “Apply Now” button located on the program page. Follow the instructions to create a personal homepage by logging in with USD MySanDiego login and password.

6. Complete the Application Process
On your personal homepage you will see a checklist of items that need to be completed. In addition to a non-refundable application fee, there are three types of documents that must be submitted: material submissions, signature documents, and questionnaires.

Material Submissions: Documents that must be printed and submitted directly to the USD International Center.

Signature Documents: Documents must be viewed and read online and electronically signed stating acceptance and understanding of each document.

Questionnaires: Online questions that provide additional information.

Within your home page, please click on each document for instructions and details. You can only apply to two programs per term. Please keep in mind that you are responsible for meeting application deadlines (link to deadlines page). Please read and follow all instructions carefully. Every item listed on your applicant home page is necessary in order for your application to be complete.

Deadlines are firm and you must submit all pre-decision application pieces in order for your application to be reviewed. To see if you have submitted all necessary documents, review the checklist on your homepage.

7. Login and Check for Updates
After you have completed the application, check your homepage and USD e-mail on a regular basis for reminders of items that you have not yet submitted. You can check and manage your homepage anytime by clicking on "Login" in the upper right hand corner of the page. If you have questions, please contact an International Studies Abroad Advisor.

Program Acceptance and Commitment

After students’ status has been changed to “Accepted”, post-decision items will populate in the online application. These items include material submissions (items that need to be physically submitted to the International Center), signature documents, and questionnaires. Students need to complete these by dates indicated by their study abroad program advisor (check for due dates). NOTE TO STUDENTS: Although students may be accepted to a study abroad program, they should not purchase a flight until notified to do so by a study abroad advisor.

Once accepted to a program, please be sure to follow the steps below to make sure you receive all pertinent information related to your study abroad program:

Attend pre-departure meetings (scheduled with the study abroad program advisor)

Read and become familiar with the Post-Acceptance Information page

Course Selection/Course Transferability

The USD International Center takes great care in promoting programs that offer quality courses in line with USD standards. Each course taught abroad has been reviewed and approved by USD Faculty Department Chairs. There are currently hundreds of study abroad courses that have been pre-approved, making the transfer of credit a seamless process. When choosing courses abroad, please adhere to the following steps:

1. Visit the web site for your study abroad program and view the available courses offered during the term you will be studying abroad.

2. Cross-reference the list of courses in the term you will be abroad with the list of pre-approved courses found on the program page for your study abroad location.

3. Select courses that have been pre-approved at USD and make sure that they will be offered abroad during the time you will be studying abroad.

4. If there is a course you wish to take abroad that is NOT on the pre-approved course list for your program site, contact your study abroad advisor for assistance. Don't be discouraged if the course you want to take is not currently on the pre-approved course list. Your study abroad advisor will work on your behalf on the course evaluation process.